Best Slow Cooker Recipes

Here is an easy way to serve a crowd a hearty breakfast before facing the elements for a day of winter sports. You can assemble it in the slow cooker in the evening and wake up to a bowl of hot, nourishing oatmeal. The slow cooker eliminates the need for constant stirring and ensures an exceptionally creamy consistency. It is important to use steel-cut oats; old-fashioned oats become too soft during slow-cooking.

Ingredient Note: Steel-cut oats, sometimes labeled "Irish oatmeal," look like small pebbles. They are toasted oat groats—the oat kernel that has been removed from the...

Modeled on North African stews, this aromatic vegetarian main course can be served over brown rice or steamed spinach.

Notes: Kabocha is a squash with a green-streaked rind and tender, sweet orange flesh. An average kabocha weighs two to three pounds.

Considered the world's most expensive spice, saffron contributes a pungent flavor and intense yellow color. It is sold in threads and powdered form.

Per serving: 304 calories; 7 g fat (1 g sat, 2 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 51 g carbohydrate; 15 g protein; 12 g fiber; 579 mg sodium; 1029 mg potassium; 0 g added sugars

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This fanciful reinterpretation of pulled pork uses chicken and lots of tomato sauce. Have sliced jalapenos, sliced red onions and some sour cream on hand to top this hearty main course.

Per serving: 184 calories; 8 g fat (2 g sat, 3 g mono); 68 mg cholesterol; 8 g carbohydrate; 20 g protein; 1 g fiber; 251 mg sodium; 301 mg potassium; 3 g added sugars

Carbohydrate Servings: 1/2

Exchanges: 1/2 other carbohydrate, 2 1/2 lean meat

Nutrition Bonus: Selenium (19% daily value), Vitamin A & Vitamin C (15% dv).

Scaling Disclaimer: EatingWell recipes are tested...

When the selection of fruit in the winter is lacking, poaching shelf-stable dried fruit in lemon-infused green tea creates a luscious fruit compote. Serve topped with low-fat plain yogurt and chopped pistachios for breakfast or dessert.

Per serving: 146 calories; 0 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 39 g carbohydrate; 1 g protein; 4 g fiber; 10 mg sodium; 462 mg potassium; added sugars

Carbohydrate Servings: 2 1/2

Exchanges: 2 1/2 fruit

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (30% daily value).

Scaling Disclaimer: EatingWell recipes are tested extensively in the...

This streamlined goulash skips the step of browning the beef, and instead coats it in a spice crust to give it a rich mahogany hue. This saucy dish is a natural served over whole-wheat egg noodles. Or, for something different, try prepared potato gnocchi or spaetzle.

Ingredient Note: Paprika specifically labeled as "Hungarian" is worth seeking out for this dish because it delivers a fuller, richer flavor than regular or Spanish paprika. Find it at specialty-foods store or online at HungarianDeli.com and penzeys.com.

Per serving: 177 calories; 5 g fat (2 g sat, 2 g mono); 49 mg...

This convenient alternative to traditional stovetop risotto uses healthy, fiber-rich whole grains—either barley or brown rice—seasoned with Parmesan cheese, lemon zest and oil-cured olives. The gentle, uniform heat of a slow cooker allows you to cook a creamy risotto without the usual frequent stirring.

Per serving: 235 calories; 5 g fat (2 g sat, 1 g mono); 6 mg cholesterol; 36 g carbohydrate; 9 g protein; 8 g fiber; 750 mg sodium; 467 mg potassium; 0 g added sugars

Carbohydrate Servings: 2

Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat

Nutrition Bonus...

Serve this zesty bean and barley soup garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, if desired.

Slow-Cooker Variation: Use 2 cups water (instead of 9 cups) and combine all ingredients in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook until the beans are tender, about 4 hours on High or 7 to 8 hours on Low.

Per serving: 205 calories; 3 g fat (0 g sat, 2 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 35 g carbohydrate; 11 g protein; 10 g fiber; 705 mg sodium; 601 mg potassium; 0 g added sugars

Carbohydrate Servings: 1 1/2

Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat...

Here chicken thighs cook in a simple herb-infused tomato-and-wine sauce. The bone-in thighs give it plenty of hearty flavor, and since you cook them without the skin, it keeps the dish healthy. There’s plenty of sauce, so serve it over pappardelle or brown rice. Steamed broccoli or sautéed broccoli rabe tossed with olive oil and a splash of lemon juice complete the meal.

Tip: If you prefer, substitute 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth mixed with 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice for the wine.

Per serving: 260 calories; 13 g fat (4 g sat, 5 g mono); 88 mg cholesterol...